Auto Insurance Rates for a Saturn Outlook in Bakersfield

Unbelievable but true according to a study a large majority of auto insurance policyholders in California kept buying from the same company for more than four years, and almost half have never even compared quotes to find affordable rates. American drivers can save hundreds of dollars each year just by getting comparison quotes, but most undervalue the amount of money they would save if they changed companies.

If saving the most money is your goal, then the best way to find affordable quotes for auto insurance rates is to regularly compare prices from providers who can sell car insurance in Bakersfield. Prices can be compared by following these guidelines.

• Step 1: It will benefit you to learn about the coverage provided by your policy and the measures you can control to keep rates in check. Many risk factors that increase rates like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and an unacceptable credit history can be rectified by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility. This article gives ideas to help prevent high rates and find discounts that may have been missed.
• Step 2: Quote rates from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only quote rates from one company like GEICO or State Farm, while independent agents can quote prices from multiple sources. Get quotes now
• Step 3: Compare the quotes to your current policy to determine if switching companies saves money. If you find a lower rate quote and make a switch, make sure there is no lapse between the expiration of your current policy and the new one.
• Step 4: Provide notification to your current agent or company of your intent to cancel your current car insurance policy and submit a down payment along with a completed application to your new carrier. As soon as you can, keep your new certificate verifying coverage in your glove compartment.

A good piece of advice is to try to compare similar deductibles and liability limits on every quote and and to compare as many companies as feasibly possible. Doing this helps ensure an apples-to-apples comparison and a thorough selection of prices.

Finding the cheapest insurance coverage in Bakersfield is quite easy. If you have insurance now, you will definitely be able to save money using the tips covered below. Consumers just have to learn the most effective way to compare rate quotes from many different companies online.

Finding more affordable auto insurance rates is a great way to save money. All you need to do is take a few minutes to get quotes from some recommended companies.

The companies shown below offer free quotes in Bakersfield, CA. If more than one company is shown, it’s a good idea that you visit several of them in order to get a fair rate comparison.

Saturn Outlook coverage analysis

The table shown next highlights detailed analysis of insurance premium costs for Saturn Outlook models. Learning how insurance prices are formulated can assist in making informed decisions when shopping around for a new policy.

Premium data assumes single male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, homeowner, and multi-policy. Rate quotes do not factor in Bakersfield location which can affect price quotes noticeably.

Deductible analysis

One of the hardest decisions when shopping for insurance is which comprehensive and collision deductibles to buy. The comparison tables below can help you visualize the cost difference when you choose different comp and collision deductibles. The first data set uses a $250 deductible for comp and collision and the second rate table uses a $500 deductible.

Data based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, homeowner, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, and multi-policy. Rate quotes do not factor in zip code location which can change prices substantially.

Based on the figures above, using a $250 deductible will cost you approximately $18 more each month or $216 each year across all Saturn Outlook models than buying the higher $500 deductible. Because you would pay $250 more to file a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you average more than 14 months between claim filings, you would probably save some money if you opt for a higher deductible.

Gender differences in insurance premiums

The chart below shows the comparison of Saturn Outlook auto insurance rates for male and female drivers. The rate quotes are based on no accidents, no driving violations, full physical damage coverage, $100 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are applied to the premium.

Choosing the best Saturn Outlook insurance in California is an important decision

Despite the fact that car insurance is not cheap in Bakersfield, insurance is most likely required but also gives you several important benefits.

First, just about all states have minimum mandated liability insurance limits which means you are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance in order to get the vehicle licensed. In California these limits are 15/30/5 which means you must have $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 of property damage coverage.

Second, if you took out a loan on your Saturn Outlook, it’s most likely the lender will stipulate that you have insurance to protect their interest in the vehicle. If you cancel or allow the policy to lapse, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Saturn at a much higher premium rate and require you to fork over much more than you were paying before.

Third, insurance protects not only your Saturn Outlook but also your financial assets. It will also provide coverage for hospital and medical expenses that are the result of an accident. As part of your policy, liability insurance will also pay for a defense attorney if someone files suit against you as the result of an accident. If mother nature or an accident damages your car, comprehensive and/or collision insurance will pay to restore your vehicle to like-new condition.

The benefits of buying car insurance more than offset the price you pay, especially when you need to use it. As of last year, the average driver in California overpays more than $820 a year so you should quote your policy with other companies once a year at a minimum to help ensure money is not being wasted.

Discounts can help to save on Saturn Outlook insurance in Bakersfield

Companies offering auto insurance do not advertise every discount they offer very clearly, so the list below contains a few of the more common and also the lesser-known credits available to lower your premiums when you buy Bakersfield auto insurance online.

• Onboard Data Collection – Bakersfield drivers who agree to allow their company to scrutinize vehicle usage by installing a telematics device such as Allstate’s Drivewise and State Farm’s In-Drive system may get a rate reduction as long as the data is positive.
• Multi-policy Discount – If you can combine your home and auto policy with one company you could earn a discount of at least 10 to 15 percent or more.
• Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Vehicles with factory air bags can qualify for discounts of more than 20%.
• Employee of Federal Government – Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% depending on your company.
• Discount for Life Insurance – Not all companies offer life insurance, but some may give you a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
• Military Deployment Discount – Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.
• Discount for New Cars – Adding a new car to your policy can save you some money because new vehicles keep occupants safer.
• Driver’s Education for Students – Have your child complete a driver education course in high school.
• Driver Safety – Participating in a defensive driver course could earn you a small percentage discount if your company offers it.
• Clubs and Organizations – Being in a civic or occupational organization in Bakersfield could earn you a nice discount on your next renewal.

You should keep in mind that most of the big mark downs will not be given to the overall cost of the policy. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. Even though the math looks like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies wouldn’t make money that way.

The diagram below shows the comparison of Saturn Outlook insurance rates with and without discounts applied to the policy premium. The price estimates are based on a male driver, no claims or violations, California state minimum liability limits, full coverage, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-car, marriage, safe-driver, homeowner, multi-policy, and claim-free discounts applied.

Popular car insurance companies and some of the discounts are included below.

• American Family may include discounts for TimeAway discount, defensive driver, Steer into Savings, early bird, accident-free, mySafetyValet, and air bags.
• Farm Bureau includes discounts for multi-vehicle, driver training, 55 and retired, safe driver, and youthful driver.
• State Farm may offer discounts for Steer Clear safe driver discount, multiple autos, defensive driving training, Drive Safe & Save, and good driver.
• Travelers policyholders can earn discounts including early quote, save driver, new car, multi-car, good student, and payment discounts.
• The Hartford offers premium reductions for driver training, vehicle fuel type, anti-theft, bundle, defensive driver, good student, and air bag.
• GEICO has discounts for daytime running lights, good student, anti-theft, membership and employees, and multi-policy.
• Progressive has savings for good student, homeowner, online signing, multi-policy, continuous coverage, online quote discount, and multi-vehicle.

It’s a good idea to ask all companies you are considering which discounts you qualify for. All car insurance discounts may not be offered in every state.

Local neighborhood insurance agents

Some people just prefer to sit down and talk to an agent and that can be a smart move Licensed agents will help you protect your assets and help file insurance claims. One of the great benefits of comparing rate quotes online is you can get cheap rate quotes and also buy local.

Once you complete this short form, the coverage information is instantly submitted to participating agents in Bakersfield that give free quotes for your business. You won’t need to search for any insurance agencies since price quotes are sent instantly to you. If you wish to quote rates from a particular provider, just go to their quote page and fill out their quote form.

Deciding on an insurance company shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Here are some questions to ask:

• What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
• Does the company have a solid financial rating?
• Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
• Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
• If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
• How much training do they have in personal risk management?
• Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
• Are they actively involved in the community?

Independent or Exclusive: It’s your choice

If you would like to find local Bakersfield agents, you must know there are a couple different types of agencies and how they can write your policy. Auto insurance agencies can either be exclusive agents or independent agents. Either can write auto insurance policies, but it’s good to learn the differences since it may influence which agent you choose.

Exclusive Insurance Agents

Exclusive agents normally can only provide a single company’s rates like American Family, State Farm, and AAA. Exclusive agencies are unable to place coverage with different providers so if the price isn’t competitive there isn’t much they can do. Exclusive agents receive a lot of sales training on sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. A lot of people choose to use a exclusive agent partially due to the prominent brand name rather than having low rates.

Below is a list of exclusive insurance agents in Bakersfield who may provide you with comparison quotes.

• James Stuart – State Farm Insurance Agent
  5125 Ming Ave – Bakersfield, CA 93309 – (661) 831-6266 – View Map
• Sal Brito – State Farm Insurance Agent
  1410 Wible Rd #107 – Bakersfield, CA 93304 – (661) 398-5144 – View Map
• Dennis Stitt – State Farm Insurance Agent
  1811 Oak St Ste 155 – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 327-6990 – View Map

More Bakersfield agents

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they can write business through many different auto insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If they quote lower rates, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, you definitely need to include rate quotes from independent agents to get the best comparison. They often place coverage with additional companies that you may not be familiar with that many times have cheaper rates.

Shown below are independent insurance agencies in Bakersfield that can give you price quotes.

• Crosby and Crosby Insurance Services
  111 H St – Bakersfield, CA 93304 – (661) 327-5531 – View Map
• El Dorado Insurance Agency, Inc.
  2809 Unicorn Rd # 102 – Bakersfield, CA 93308 – (800) 221-3386 – View Map
• Stockdale Insurance Agency Inc
  1675 Chester Ave #310 – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 327-3321 – View Map

More Bakersfield agents

How to find a good California car insurance company

Insuring your vehicle with the top insurance company is hard considering how many companies sell insurance in Bakersfield. The company ratings shown next can help you decide which auto insurers you want to consider when shopping around.

Top 10 Bakersfield Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Customer Service

1. AAA of Southern California
2. GEICO
3. State Farm
4. The Hartford
5. Mercury Insurance
6. The General
7. Progressive
8. Allstate
9. AAA Insurance
10. American Family

Top 10 Bakersfield Car Insurance Companies by A.M. Best Rank

1. USAA – A++
2. Travelers – A++
3. State Farm – A++
4. GEICO – A++
5. Esurance – A+
6. Nationwide – A+
7. Allstate – A+
8. Mercury Insurance – A+
9. Progressive – A+
10. Titan Insurance – A+

When do I need an agent’s advice?

When choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Every situation is different so your insurance needs to address that.
These are some specific questions could help you determine if your situation will benefit from professional help.

• Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
• What is the ISO rating for a Saturn Outlook?
• Should I have a commercial auto policy?
• When can I cancel my policy?
• Am I covered if I crash into my own garage door?
• What discounts do I qualify for?

If you can’t answer these questions but one or more may apply to you then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It’s fast, free and may give you better protection.

Car insurance coverage considerations

Learning about specific coverages of a car insurance policy aids in choosing which coverages you need at the best deductibles and correct limits. The terms used in a policy can be difficult to understand and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. These are typical coverages found on most car insurance policies.

Liability car insurance

Liability insurance will cover injuries or damage you cause to people or other property by causing an accident. This insurance protects YOU against other people’s claims. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. As an example, you may have values of 15/30/5 which stand for a limit of $15,000 per injured person, $30,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $5,000.

Liability insurance covers things like attorney fees, legal defense fees, funeral expenses, structural damage and emergency aid. How much liability should you purchase? That is up to you, but consider buying as high a limit as you can afford. California requires drivers to carry at least 15/30/5 but it’s recommended drivers buy more coverage.

The illustration below shows why buying minimum limits may not be adequate.

Insurance for medical payments

Med pay and PIP coverage pay for short-term medical expenses such as hospital visits, prosthetic devices, rehabilitation expenses, ambulance fees and surgery. They can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Medical payments and PIP cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP is not available in all states but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance

This coverage provides protection when the “other guys” are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. It can pay for hospital bills for your injuries and damage to your Saturn Outlook.

Due to the fact that many California drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (15/30/5), their limits can quickly be used up. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

This coverage covers damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first have to pay a deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for things such as fire damage, theft, falling objects, damage from a tornado or hurricane and a broken windshield. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

Collision coverage protection

This coverage will pay to fix damage to your Outlook resulting from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage pays for claims like damaging your car on a curb, hitting a mailbox, colliding with another moving vehicle and scraping a guard rail. This coverage can be expensive, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible on your Outlook to get cheaper collision coverage.

You can find cheaper coverage

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, don’t be tempted to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice full coverage only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The goal is to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate.

You just learned some good ideas how to reduce Saturn Outlook insurance car insurance rates online in Bakersfield. The key thing to remember is the more companies you get premium rates for, the higher your chance of finding affordable Bakersfield auto insurance quotes. Drivers may even discover the lowest car insurance rates are with an unexpected company. Regional companies may cover specific market segments cheaper as compared to the big name companies such as Progressive and GEICO.

Much more information about insurance in California is located below:

• How to Avoid Common Accidents (State Farm)
• How Much are Auto Insurance Rates for Police Officers in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• How Much is Car Insurance for a Company Car in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• Who Has Cheap Bakersfield Car Insurance for High Risk Drivers? (FAQ)
• Who Has Cheap Bakersfield Car Insurance for Good Students? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Car Insurance Rates for Veterans in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• What Insurance is Cheapest for Drivers with Accidents in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Bakersfield Car Insurance Rates for a 20 Year Old Female? (FAQ)
• State Car Insurance Guides (GEICO)
• Prom Night Tips for Teen Drivers (State Farm)
• Distracted Driving (Insurance Information Institute)